NZ760270A - Improvements in circuit identification on wall mounted electrical outlets and switch plates - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an electrical system for mounting to a surface, the electrical system having a front face and at least one edge angled with respect to the front face. The electrical system comprises a base unit for connection to a source of mains power and for mounting to a surface; and a cover unit for connection to the base unit; wherein, a circuit identification is provided on at least one of the at least one edges. Also disclosed are a grid plate and a face plate with the circuit identification provided on an edge. The invention assists a technician to more easily identify the circuit associated with the electrical system from a range of positions. r connection to the base unit; wherein, a circuit identification is provided on at least one of the at least one edges. Also disclosed are a grid plate and a face plate with the circuit identification provided on an edge. The invention assists a technician to more easily identify the circuit associated with the electrical system from a range of positions.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN CIRCUIT IDENTIFICATION ON WALL MOUNTED ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND SWITCH PLATES PRIORITY

[0001] The present application claim priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2018904907, filed on 21 December 2018.

[0002] The entire content of this priority application is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the provision of a circuit identification to an electrical outlet or switch.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0004] This application refers to the following Australian Patent Applications: - Australian Patent Application No. 2015275225 entitled “Electrical System, Apparatus and Method”; - Australian Patent Application No 2015275227 entitled “Switch Assembly, System and Method” - Australian Patent Application No 2015275234 entitled “Push Button Switch Assembly, and Operational Part”; - Australian Patent Application No 2015275233 entitled “Switch Assembly with Rotatable Operational Part”; - Australian Patent Application No 2015221512 entitled “Electrical Outlet and Support For Electrical Device”; - Australian Patent Application No. 2016235020 entitled “Connectors For Electrical System”; and - Australian Patent Application No 2017236025 entitled “Electrical Outlet Faceplate and System”.

The entire content of each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0005] It is often necessary to clearly identify and label power and data outlet circuits, particularly in commercial buildings.

[0006] Such data or power outlets are often located on a wall or surface in a position that is not at convenient eye level. In some cases, a power or data outlet is positioned near the floor. In other cases, the data or power outlet may be positioned on the underside of a table or horizontal surface.

[0007] Such positioning can make it difficult, or at best, inconvenient, for a technician to read the circuit identification.

SUMMARY

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided an electrical system for mounting to a surface, the electrical system having a front face and at least one edge angled with respect to the front face, the electrical system comprising: a base unit for connection to a source of mains power and for mounting to a surface; and a cover unit for connection to the base unit; wherein, a circuit identification is provided on at least one of the at least one edges.

[0009] According to a second aspect, there is provided an electrical system for mounting to a surface, the electrical system having a front face and at least one edge angled with respect to the front face, the electrical system comprising: a grid plate for connection to a source of mains power and for mounting to a surface; and a face plate for connection to the base unit; wherein, a circuit identification is provided on at least one of the at least one edges.

[0010] According to a third aspect, there is provided a face plate for connection to a grid plate for connection to a source of mains power and for mounting to a surface, the face plate having a front face and at least one edge angled with respect to the front face, wherein a circuit identification is provided on the edge.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a face plate for connection to a grid plate for connection to a source of mains power and for mounting to a surface, the face plate having a front face and at least one edge angled with respect to the front face, wherein the at least one edge comprises a recess for receiving a circuit identification.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a face plate for connection to a grid plate for connection to a source of mains power and for mounting to a surface, the face plate having a front face and at least one edge angled with respect to the front face, wherein the at least one edge comprises an aperture for exposing a region of the grid plate when the face plate is connected to the grid plate.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a grid plate for connection to a source of mains power and for mounting to a surface, and for receiving a face plate, the grid plate comprising a front face and at least one edge angled with respect to the face, wherein a circuit identification is provided on the edge.

[0014] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a grid plate for connection to a source of mains power and for mounting to a surface, and for receiving a face plate, the grid plate comprising a front face and at least one edge angled with respect to the face, wherein the at least one edge comprises a recess for receiving a circuit identification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Embodiments of the various aspects described herein will be detailed with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] Figure 1A – shows a front perspective view of a general embodiment of a base unit according to one aspect described herein;

[0017] Figure 1B – shows a rear view of the base unit of Figure 1A;

[0018] Figure 2 – shows a side view of an electrical system according to an aspect described herein;

[0019] Figure 3 – shows an embodiment of a base unit or grid plate and a cover unit or face plate according to an aspect described herein;

[0020] Figure 4 – shows an example of the base unit or grid plate for Figure 3 and exchangeable cover units or face plates according to an aspect described herein;

[0021] Figure 5 – shows a general embodiment according to an aspect of an electrical system comprising a circuit identification as described herein;

[0022] Figure 6 – shows another general embodiment according to an aspect of an electrical system comprising a circuit identification as described herein;

[0023] Figure 7 - shows another general embodiment according to an aspect of an electrical system comprising a circuit identification as described herein;

[0024] Figure 8 - shows another general embodiment according to an aspect of an electrical system comprising a circuit identification as described herein;

[0025] Figure 9 – shows a specific embodiment of an electrical system according to an aspect as described herein;

[0026] Figure 10 – shows an embodiment of a cover unit or face plate for use in the system of Figure 9, with the circuit identification region provided as a recess in an angled edge the cover unit or face plate;

[0027] Figure 11 – shows another embodiment of the a cover unit or face plate for use in the system of Figure 9, with an aperture provided in an angled edge the cover unit or face plate;

[0028] Figure 12 – shows the cover unit or face plate of Figure 11 with a window provided in the aperture;

[0029] Figure 13 – shows an embodiment of a base unit or grid plate for use in the electrical system of Figure 9;

[0030] Figure 14 – shows the base unit or cover unit of Figure 13 with a removable substrate or tab connected to one of the circuit identification regions of the base unit or grid plate of Figure 13;

[0031] Figure 15 - shows the base unit or cover unit of Figure 13 with a removable substrate or tab connected to each of two circuit identification regions of the base unit or grid plate of Figure 13;

[0032] Figure 16 – shows the base unit or grid plate of Figure 15 with a window covering each of the removable substrates or tabs;

[0033] Figure 17A – shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a removable substrate or tab according to an aspect described herein;

[0034] Figure 17B - shows a rear perspective view of the removable substrate or tab of Figure 17A;

[0035] Figure 17C – shows a side view of the removable substrate or tab of Figure 17A;

[0036] Figure 17D – shows the removable substrate or tab of Figure 17A with an embodiment of a circuit identification thereon; and

[0037] Figure 18 – shows the electrical system of Figure 9 with the circuit identification displayed.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0038] In one aspect described herein, there is provided a base unit 100 for mounting to a surface and for electrical connection to a mains or supply power. Figure 1A shows a front perspective view of a general embodiment of base unit 100 and Figure 1B shows a rear perspective view of the base unit 100 of Figure 1A. In one aspect, the base unit 100 comprises a mounting region 110 for mounting the base unit 100 to the surface. In some embodiments, the surface is a wall. In some other embodiments, the surface is a floor. In some other embodiments, the surface is a wall of a box or other enclosure. In other embodiments, the surface is frame for supporting the base unit.

[0039] In some embodiments, the mounting region 110 is itself a surface which will come into contact with the surface to which the base unit 100 is to be mounted. In other embodiments, the mounting region 110 is a pin, tab or other connector.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1A, base unit 100 also comprises a base connector 120 for connecting the base unit to a cover unit 200 as will be described in more detail below. The base connector 120 is shown generically in Figure 1A but can take on any form that allows connection of the cover unit to the base unit 100. Such forms include a recess for receiving a protrusion from the cover unit, a protrusion for being received in a corresponding recess in the cover unit, a clipping arrangement, or a magnet for attracting and retaining a region of the cover unit. In other embodiments, the base connector is an adhesive, or a loop-hook connector such as a product sold under the trade mark Velcro® by Velcro Industries B.V. In this embodiment, base connector 120 can be either the loop component of the connector or the hook component.

[0041] Base unit 100 also comprises a base supply power input 130 for electrically connecting the base unit 100 to a supply or mains power supply (see Figure 1A). In some countries, the mains, or supply power is provided as an alternating current (AC) electrical signal of about 240V (for example between about 220V and 260V) and about 50Hz frequency. In other countries, mains or supply power is provided as an AC signal of between about 100V and 130V. Some systems use a frequency of about 50Hz while others use a frequency of about 60Hz. Some supply power systems are single phase and others may be three-phase. It will be understood that any electrical power that would be considered to be supply or mains power can be used.

[0042] In some embodiments, base unit 100 will also comprise a base power output 150 (see Figure 1A) for providing output power to the cover unit 200 when cover unit 200 is connected to base unit 100.

[0043] Base power output 150 can be provided by any suitable means including a direct plug/socket arrangement with a recess provided in base unit 100 leading to conductive elements which make electrical connection with a corresponding electrically conductive element of a cover unit power input 210, or can be provided by a radiating element that transfers power from base unit 100 to cover unit 200 by induction or other means. An example of this embodiment is described in more detail below. Any other form of power transfer can also be used.

[0044] In some embodiments, base power output 150 and base connector 120 can be provided by the same element. In one such embodiment, the connection of cover power input to the base power output 150 will also provide sufficient support to retain cover unit 200 to base unit 100 without a further additional base connector 120 or other connection arrangement.

[0045] In some embodiments, base unit 100 will also comprise a power converter 140 which converts the supply input power received at the base supply power 130 input to the output power provided by the base power output 150 to provide useable power to the cover unit 200 when in use.

[0046] In some embodiments, the base power output will be shielded or otherwise protected so that no electrically-live element is easily accessible by a user when the base unit 100 is installed. In some embodiments, the default state of the base power output is to an OFF state and is electrically isolated from the mains or supply power, and/or from the output of the power converter 140. In such an embodiment, only when the cover unit 200 is in place will the base power outlet be electrically connected to the mains or supply power and/or the output of the power converter 140.

[0047] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of base unit 300 and cover unit 200 connected together, with base unit 300 mounted to a surface 40 (e.g. a wall), and mains or source power 50 connected to the base supply power 130 input.

[0048] In other embodiments, base unit 100 also comprises a base switch interface 160 for interfacing with a switch element of the cover unit 200, to allow actuation of a switch on the cover unit 200 to be effected on the base unit 100. Figure 3 shows a base unit 100 with base switch interface 160.

In some embodiments, base switch interface 160 is an electrical interface such as a radio frequency (RF) receiver for receiving RF signals from a switch on the cover unit 200 when actuated. In some embodiments, base switch interface 160 is an infrared (IR) receiver for receiving IR signals from a switch of cover unit 200. In other embodiments, base switch interface 160 is a component of a touch switch which actuates upon a user touching or near-touching a corresponding switch element on the cover unit 200. An example of such a touch switch arrangement is described in PCT patent application no. PCT/AU12011/001675 (published as WO 12012/083380) entitled “Touch Switch” incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0049] In other embodiments, base switch interface 160 is a mechanical interface for engaging with a switch element or a cover switch interface of cover unit 200 as is described in more detail in Australian Patent Application No. 2015275225 previously incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0050] Figure 3 shows a general representation of the components of an embodiment of a switch assembly, connected to base unit 100 according to one aspect. Broadly, in this aspect, switch assembly 500 comprises two sub-assemblies, being base unit switch part 510 and operational part 1200. As shown in Figure 3, base unit switch part 510 comprises a functional part 1000 and a base switch interface 160.Operational part 1200 is for actuation by a user and for controlling the functional part 1000, via the base switch interface 160, for interfacing the functional part 1000 and the operational part 1200.

[0051] It will be noted that the operational part 1200 is not fixed to the base switch interface 160 or the functional part 1000 and is able to move freely with respect thereto as discussed in more detail in Australian Patent Application No. 2015275225 previously referred to, as well as Australian Patent Application No 2015275227 entitled “Switch Assembly, System and Method”, Australian Patent Application No 2015275234 entitled “Push Button Switch Assembly, and Operational Part”; and Australian Patent Application No 2015275233 entitled “Switch Assembly with Rotatable Operational Part”, all previously incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0052] It will be understood that there can be any combination of different operational parts 1200 and plates or cover units 200. For example, a switch assembly 500 with a small dolly 1201B might be converted to a switch assembly with a big dolly 1201B by replacing the operational part 1200 with a small dolly as described above. In another example, a switch assembly with a round push-button switch might be converted to a switch assembly with a square push-button/rocker switch by changing the operational part and the plate. In another combination, as shown in Figure 4, the appearance of system 300 may be changed completely by changing the existing plate or cover unit 200 with a plate or cover unit 200’ of a different type. In one embodiment, the user interface 1201 can be used, or a different user interface 1201 can be used. In the example of Figure 4, the switch interface 1201 is changed from a round dolly 1201B to a square dolly 1201B’.

[0053] Various aspects are hereby provided to facilitate circuit identification for power outlets and data outlets, of the type described above, as well as for more traditional power and data outlets.

[0054] In one aspect, as shown generally in Figure 5, there is provided an electrical system 300 for mounting to a surface, the electrical system having a front face 301 and at least one edge 302 angled with respect to the front face 301. In some embodiments, the electrical system comprises a base unit 100 for connection to a source of mains power and for mounting to a surface; and a cover unit 200 for connection to the base unit; wherein a circuit identification 320’ is provided on at least one of the at least one edges 302.

[0055] The electrical system 300 could be any suitable system including a power outlet, a data outlet and/or a switch or control unit.

[0056] The edge may be angled with respect to the front face by any suitable degree, including from about 1 degree to about 90 degrees, or more, depending upon the application. This range includes about degrees, about 20 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 40 degrees, about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 80 degrees and about 90 degrees.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 5 to 8, there are two edge portions, at different angels with respect to the front face.

[0058] Figure 6 shows an embodiment in which the circuit identification 320’ is provided on a top edge 302. Figure 7 shows an embodiment in which the circuit identification 320’ is provided on an edge part 302’ angled from the edge 302, as well as on the top edge 302 as in the embodiment of Figure 6.

Figure 8 shows an embodiments in which all four edges 302 display the circuit identification 320’ (the left-hand edge and the bottom edge not visible in this view), as well as the circuit identification 320’ appearing on the front face 301.

[0059] The fact that the circuit identification 320’ is provided on an edge angled with respect to the front face 301, means that the circuit identification 320’ is more easily viewable by a technician.

[0060] Providing the circuit identification on one or more edges also allows maximum flexibility in the installation orientation of the electrical system 300. For example, in the system described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, the cover unit or face plate 200 can, in some embodiments, be connected to the base unit or grid plate 100 in a variety of orientations. Providing the circuit identification on one, two, three or four edges (or more depending on the configuration of the electrical system) and/or all of the edges, maximises the likelihood that the circuit identification 320’ will be more clearly viewable by a person regardless of the orientation of the cover unit.

[0061] For example, if the circuit identification 320’ is located on a top edge, then the circuit identification is more easily viewable by a person than if it were on the front face. In other examples, if the outlet is installed in less accessible areas such as underneath a desk surface or in a cupboard, then it may require that the person position their head under the desk or partially within the cupboard if the circuit identification is provided on the front face. With the circuit identification provided on one, two, three, four or more edges, which will be facing the person in such situations, the circuit identification is more easily seen.

[0062] In some embodiments, the circuit identification is provided on one or more edges as well as on the front face of the electrical system.

[0063] In some embodiments, the cover unit 200 is a functional unit such as described in Australian Patent Application No 2017236025 previously incorporated by reference. In other embodiments, cover unit 200 is simply a face plate for covering a base unit or grid plate. In other embodiments, cover unit 200 is a combination of both face plate and functional unit.

[0064] The circuit identification 320’ can be provided by any suitable means, including inscribing directly onto one or more edges of the system 300, cover unit face plate 200 and/or base unit or grid plate 100 with a suitable marker, applying an adhesive label with the circuit identification information thereon, or using a removable substrate or tab as will be described in more detail below.

[0065] In some embodiments, as described with reference to the remaining Figures 9 to 18, there is provided a circuit identification region 320, on which the circuit identification may be displayed.

According to an aspect described herein, the circuit identification region 320 is recessed. This recessing provides protection to the circuit identification 320’ which can prevent or reduce the likelihood, of the circuit identification 320’ being brushed, scratched, removed or otherwise compromised.

[0066] Figure 9 shows another embodiment of electrical system 300. In the example shown in Figure 9, the circuit identification region 320 is provided on two edges. In some embodiments, circuit identification region 320 is provided on one edge only. In some embodiments, circuit identification region 320 is provided on three edges. In some embodiments, circuit identification region 320 is provided on four edges or more.

[0067] As previously described, in some embodiments, circuit identification region 320 is provided by a recess in the face plate 200 as shown in Figure 10. In some embodiments, a window 340 is provided over this recess. In some embodiments, circuit identification region 320 is provided on a base unit or grid plate 100 below the cover unit or face plate 200, which itself is provided with an aperture 330, as shown in Figure 11, to allow the circuit identification region 320 to be viewed via the aperture 330. In some embodiments, aperture 330 is covered with a window 340, as shown in Figure 12.

[0068] Figure 13 shows an example of a base unit or grid plate 100 of the electrical system 300 shown in Figure 9. In this embodiment, circuit identification region 320 is provided on two grid edges 102. In some embodiments, circuit identification region 320 is provided on one edge only. In some embodiments, circuit identification region 320 is provided on three edges. In some embodiments, circuit identification region 320 is provided on four edges or more.

[0069] Figure 14 shows another embodiment of the grid plate 100 of the aspect of Figure 13. In this embodiment, a removable substrate or tab 400 is shown engaged with one of the circuit identification regions 320.

[0070] In some embodiments, the circuit identification region 320 has a removable substrate retaining part 321 for connecting to and retaining the removable substrate 400. In the embodiments shown, removable substrate retaining part 321 is simply a recess for receiving a corresponding engagement portion 410 of the removable substrate in a snap-fit arrangement. However, any suitable means of engaging, connecting and/or retaining the removable part may be used, including magnetic means, adhesive means, electrostatic means or “hook and loop” means.

[0071] In some embodiments, the circuit identification 320’ may be provided on the removable substrate 400 which is engaged with one or more of the circuit identification regions 320. In some embodiments, circuit identification 320’ may be directly inscribed on one or more of the circuit identification regions 320, or a label may be adhered to one or more of the circuit identification regions 320, or a combination of the various options.

[0072] Figure 15 shows the arrangement of Figure 14 but with two removable substrates or tabs 300 engaged with the circuit identification regions 320. The removable substrate or tab 400 will be described in more detail below.

[0073] Figure 16 shows another embodiment of grid plate 100, this time with windows 340 placed over the removable substrate 400/ circuit identification region 320. In some embodiments, window 340 is connected to grid plate 100. In some embodiments, window 340 is connected to face plate 200 within the aperture 330, which then covers the removable substrate 400/ circuit identification region 320 when the face plate 200 is connected to the grid plate 100 to form electrical system 300.

[0074] As previously described, window 340 can be made of any suitable material including plastic, glass or any other transparent or translucent material through which circuit identification region 320 may be seen. In some embodiments still, window 340 could be made of an opaque material and may be removed from aperture 330 or circuit identification region 320 to view the circuit identification therebelow.

[0075] Figures 17A, 17B, 17C and 17D show the removable substrate 400 in more detail. Figure 17A shows an embodiment of removable substrate or tab 400, which can be engaged with circuit identification region 320 as previously described. In some embodiments, removable substrate 400 comprises one or more engagement portions 410 for engaging with a corresponding removable substrate retaining part 321 of the circuit identification region 320 as previously described. While the embodiment shown here is a projection for inserting into a corresponding recess as described previously, any other suitable engagement means may be used, including magnetic means, adhesive means, electrostatic means or “hook and loop” means. In other embodiments still, engagement portion 410 may be provided by a recess, and corresponding removable substrate retaining part 321 of the circuit identification region 320 may be a projection.

[0076] In some embodiments, some reinforcing means may be provided, such as the reinforcing pattern 420 shown in Figure 17B. Figure 17C shows a side view of the removable substrate or tab 400.

[0077] Figure 17D shows an embodiment of the removable substrate or tab 400 with circuit identification 320’ displayed thereon. As will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, the circuit identification 320’ can be provided by any suitable format, including words such as “fridge”, alpha- numeric combinations such as “DE-17” as shown in Figure 17D, colours, patterns, or any other suitable indicia that will convey identification information of the circuit with which the electrical system, base unit, cover unit, grid plate or face plate is associated.

[0078] In some embodiments, a set of removable substrates or tabs 400 may be provided, with some in the set being the same colour, and others being different colours. A specific colour of the tabs 400 can be selected and associated with a particular circuit, and tabs of that colour will be used in electrical systems 300 associated with that selected circuit. This allows a quick and convenient way for a technician to identify associated electrical systems such as power or data outlets.

[0079] According to another aspect, the provision of the removable substrate or tab 400 allows a particular grid plate or face plate to be easily updated, simply by removing an existing removable substrate or tab 400 and replacing it with a new one. This can be particularly useful if the circuit identification region 320 is on a face plate 200, which is more likely to be changed than a grid plate, particularly in the system as previously described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0080] It will be appreciated that removable substrate or tab 400 may be made from any suitable material, including plastic, cardboard, metal and wood.

[0081] Furthermore, the use of the removable substrate or tab 400 allows easy replacement of existing circuit identifications 320’ that may have become damaged.

[0082] Figure 18 shows an embodiment of an electrical system 300 comprising various aspects described herein. Electrical system 300, in this case a power outlet, comprises grid plate 100 (not visible in this view), face plate 200, comprising power sockets 310 and user switch interfaces (rockers) 1201, as well as apertures 330. Apertures 330 allow visibility of the circuit identification region 320 on the grid plate 100, with which removable substrate or tab 400 is engaged. Removable substrate or tab 400 clearly displays circuit identification 320’ in the form of the alphanumeric code “DE-17”, identifying a particular circuit, with which the power outlet 300 is associated.

[0083] Because the circuit identification 320’ is recessed from the surface of the outlet 300, it is less likely to be damaged. Of course, further protection can be provided in some embodiments by the provision of window 340 in aperture 330.

[0084] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0085] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0086] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (28)

1. CLAIMS1. An electrical system for mounting to a surface, the electrical system having a front face and at least one edge angled with respect to the front face, the electrical system comprising: a base unit for connection to a source of mains power and for mounting to a surface; and a cover unit for connection to the base unit; wherein, a circuit identification is provided on at least one of the at least one edges.
2. 2. An electrical system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the circuit identification is provided on a circuit identification region which is recessed.
3. 3. An electrical system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the circuit identification region is provided on the cover unit.
4. 4. An electrical system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the circuit identification region is provided on the base unit and the cover unit comprises an aperture, through which the circuit identification region is viewable.
5. 5. An electrical system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the circuit identification region is covered by a window for viewing the circuit identification region therethrough.
6. 6. An electrical system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the electrical system is a power outlet or a switch plate, the cover unit is a face plate and the base unit is a grid plate.
7. 7. An electrical system for mounting to a surface, the electrical system having a front face and at least one edge angled with respect to the front face, the electrical system comprising: a grid plate for connection to a source of mains power and for mounting to a surface; and a face plate for connection to the base unit; wherein, a circuit identification is provided on at least one of the at least one edges.
8. 8. An electrical system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the circuit identification is provided on a circuit identification region which is recessed.
9. 9. An electrical system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the circuit identification region is provided on the face plate.
10. 10. An electrical system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the recessed region is provided by an aperture in the face plate and the circuit identification is provided, in use, on the grid pate and is viewable via the aperture.
11. 11. An electrical system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the circuit identification region is covered by a window for viewing the circuit identification region therethrough.
12. 12. An electrical system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the circuit identification is provided on a label that is able to be adhered to the electrical system.
13. 13. An electrical system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 and 8 to 12 wherein the circuit identification is provided on a label adhered to the circuit identification region.
14. 14. An electrical system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 and 8 to 12 wherein the circuit identification is provided on a removable substrate or tab received by the circuit identification region.
15. 15. An electrical system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the removable substrate or tab comprises a plastic tab.
16. 16. An electrical system as claimed in any one of claims 14 or 15 further comprising a removable substrate retaining part for removably retaining the removable substrate or tab.
17. 17. An electrical system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the circuit identification is provided on a top edge.
18. 18. An electrical system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the circuit identification is provided on a side edge.
19. 19. An electrical system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein the circuit identification is provided on 2 or more edges.
20. 20. A face plate for connection to a grid plate for connection to a source of mains power and for mounting to a surface, the face plate having a front face and at least one edge angled with respect to the front face, wherein a circuit identification is provided on at least one of the at least one edges.
21. 21. A face plate for connection to a grid plate for connection to a source of mains power and for mounting to a surface, the face plate having a front face and at least one edge angled with respect to the front face, wherein the at least one edge comprises a recess for receiving a circuit identification.
22. 22. A face plate as claimed in claim 21 wherein the recess is covered by a window.
23. 23. A face plate for connection to a grid plate for connection to a source of mains power and for mounting to a surface, the face plate having a front face and at least one edge angled with respect to the front face, wherein the at least one edge comprises an aperture for exposing a region of the grid plate when the face plate is connected to the grid plate.
24. 24. A grid plate for connection to a source of mains power and for mounting to a surface, and for receiving a face plate, the grid plate comprising a front face and at least one edge angled with respect to the face, wherein a circuit identification is provided on at least one of the at least one edges.
25. 25. A grid plate for connection to a source of mains power and for mounting to a surface, and for receiving a face plate, the grid plate comprising a front face and at least one edge angled with respect to the face, wherein the at least one edge comprises a recess for receiving a circuit identification.
26. 26. An electrical system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 25 wherein the circuit identification is also provided on the front face.
27. 27. A grid pate as claimed in any one of claims 24 or 25 wherein the circuit identification is also provided on the front face.
28. 28. A face plate as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 23 wherein the circuit identification is also provided on the front face.